Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune system condition that affects your esophagus. It can cause symptoms that interfere with your life, such as stomach pain, vomiting and trouble swallowing. In children, it can also cause feeding problems and growth delays.

EoE is a complex condition that affects each person in different ways. At Henry Ford Health, our team offers personalized care to help you control your symptoms, protect your esophagus and live your healthiest life.

Why choose Henry Ford Health for EoE treatment?

EoE requires long-term care, so having a team of experts on your side is essential. With our program, you receive:

• Expert care: Managing EoE requires the combined expertise of allergists, gastroenterologists and nutritionists. In our program, these specialists work together to customize your treatment plan.
• Food allergy expertise: Most cases of EoE are linked to food allergies. Our food allergy specialists help you avoid your triggers with a customized diet and provide leading immunotherapy options and ongoing support.
• Leading-edge therapies: Our doctors offer the newest and most effective treatments for EoE, including corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies and esophageal dilation (stretching).

How we diagnose EoE

If you have symptoms of EoE, our team carefully evaluates your health and listens to your concerns. Then, we may recommend tests, including:

Endoscopy with biopsy

This test is the most reliable method for diagnosing or ruling out EoE. During an endoscopy, our gastroenterologists guide a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera down your throat. Images from the camera can help us spot signs of EoE or other health conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We take a tiny sample (biopsy) from your esophagus and examine it under a microscope for signs of disease. Experts in our Endoscopy Center perform this test, while focusing on your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

Advanced blood tests

Because EoE may be linked to food allergies, diagnosing these allergies is a key part of your care. We start with blood tests that measure IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibody levels and eosinophil counts, which are levels of white blood cells that may indicate specific allergies.

Our food allergy specialists may also perform component blood tests, which identify the specific proteins in a food that are causing your allergic reaction. We are among a few programs in the region providing component testing.

EoE treatments we provide

Managing EoE requires a personalized approach that addresses your specific symptoms, triggers and medical needs. Our team creates a comprehensive treatment plan specifically for you, which may include:

Dietary guidance

Our allergists collaborate with gastroenterologists and nutritionists to help you develop a personalized eating plan. We offer education and ongoing support to help you avoid allergens while making sure you get all the nutrients you need.

EoE medications

We offer the latest medications for managing EoE, including:

Topical corticosteroids

These are liquid steroid medications that you swallow that directly treat inflammation in your esophagus. These steroids don’t enter your bloodstream, so you typically experience fewer side effects compared to taking systemic corticosteroids, which circulate through your body.

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies target specific proteins in your body that cause inflammation. These medications can help relieve symptoms in people 12 years of age and older. For this treatment, you receive a weekly injection (shot) in our allergy clinic.